Date Published: 05/05/2026

Spain supermarket savings: 3 simple changes that can drastically cut your bill

From shopping lists to store brands, a few simple changes can cut costs by up to 40% in supermarkets across Spain

Spain’s supermarket prices have been creeping up for a while now and it’s something most households are feeling at the checkout. On average, each person in Spain spends around €150 a month on food alone, and that’s before adding in things like cleaning products and toiletries. With prices under pressure again due to global tensions, many people are looking for simple ways to bring that figure down.

There’s no shortage of money-saving tips out there, but not all of them make much difference. The idea behind the Pareto principle, often called the 80/20 rule, helps explain why. It suggests that most results come from a small number of actions and when it comes to supermarket spending, a handful of habits can have the biggest impact.

Make a shopping list and stick to it

Going into the supermarket with a clear, fixed list is one of the most effective ways to cut costs. Estimates suggest that it can reduce monthly spending by up to 25%, mainly because it removes the temptation to add extras you don’t actually need.

It works for a few simple reasons:

You plan ahead, which usually leads to a more balanced and practical shop
You’re less likely to fall for in-store promotions designed to get you to spend more
Impulse buys are cut right back, especially if you shop less often

It can also save time. Knowing exactly what you need means fewer laps around the aisles and a quicker trip overall. Some shoppers even keep saved lists for regular weekly shops, which makes the whole process easier to repeat.

Pick your supermarket carefully

Saving money isn’t always about hunting down the absolute cheapest shop, but avoiding the most expensive ones can make a noticeable difference. According to the OCU, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive supermarkets can average €1,132 a year, rising to as much as €4,270 in cities like Madrid.

In reality, most expats won’t have access to every chain included in national rankings, as many of the cheapest supermarkets, such as Dani and Tifer, are regional. What matters more is knowing how the big names compare where you live.

Across much of Spain, shoppers tend to rotate between:

Mercadona
Lidl
Aldi
Carrefour
Consum

Discount chains like Lidl and Aldi are often among the cheapest for everyday items, while Mercadona and Consum tend to sit somewhere in the middle depending on what you buy. Carrefour can vary quite a bit, with larger stores sometimes working out more expensive overall.

Even switching part of your weekly shop to a cheaper store, or splitting it between two supermarkets, can make a noticeable difference over time.

Make the most of supermarket own brands

Own-brand products now make up around 45% of the market in Spain, slightly above the European average, according to McKinsey & Company. They’re no longer just a budget option and in many cases offer similar quality at a lower price.

Switching from big-name brands to supermarket alternatives can cut your bill by as much as 40% in some cases. The key is to be selective. For everyday items where quality differences are less noticeable, own brands tend to offer the best value. It’s also worth checking the manufacturer, as some are produced by the same companies behind well-known brands.

Other simple ways to save

Alongside those three main habits, there are a few smaller changes that can also help reduce your supermarket spend:

Frozen products like meat and fish can be up to 30% cheaper and often keep their quality
Coupons can be useful for specific branded items you already buy
Loyalty cards can offer savings, but it’s worth avoiding deals that encourage extra spending
Stocking up on non-perishable items during promotions can lower long-term costs
Larger or family-size packs are often cheaper per unit, but always check the price per kilo

Some everyday habits can also make a difference. Shopping on an empty stomach often leads to buying more than planned and the placement of products on shelves isn’t random either, with cheaper options often placed out of direct sight.

Taken together, these small adjustments can make supermarket spending a lot more manageable without needing to overhaul your entire routine.

Image: Freepik